Hard Copy Distribution Plans

After our first experiment with hard copies via the Da Capo Limited Edition, we were able to come in contact with and get to know many other vendors and distributors. We spoke with many of them, and we have decided that the best option which would help us reach the widest possible audience in North America, would be to work with J-list for the distribution of our hard-copies. We both agreed this deal would be in our mutual interests, and hope that hard copies continue to prove a success so we can continue to bring you even more in the future.

The following titles are now available for purchase through J-list at their MangaGamer Section, though we will be selling them ourselves at Otakon.

Due to contractual obligations, Hendane will continue to be the primary wholesaler and distributor for the Da Capo Limited Edition until Spring of next year.

Also, our EU store is now offering shipping to all countries except for North America and Japan. (International Shipping outside of the EU does cost extra.) The EU store will also be offering the above listed titles in the near future.

You’re right, sales is what counts at the end of the day. However, I noticed on J-List’s blog its an exclusive deal meaning US residents won’t be able to buy from anyone else. That means if MangaGamer releases a game Peter Payne doesn’t like then its tough luck for US residents.

From what I read from that, Jlist only has exclusivity for the handful of games they currently offer for hard copy. I’d imagine that due to their relationship, Jlist would get first dibs on new titles, but I see nothing stopping Manga Gamer from selling hard copies of futre games to other retailers.

Then do explain why cuts and edits were made. Jast even stopped selling Jewel Knight Crusaders. So while yes he cares about the money, who doesn’t? There are things even he won’t sell. Jast is actually very picky about what goes into their games.

This is actually a concern I hadn’t considered. JAST doesn’t release games like Koihime Musou. They flat-out said that they didn’t license the 18+ version of Eien no Aselia because the content was “problematic”. If JAST/J-List are calling the shots on what MG games get released as hard copies, it could actually affect the games MG chooses to release. That would thoroughly kill my personal enthusiasm for this partnership, although I suppose MG will do what it has to do to survive…

I am exceedingly happy to hear about this partnership. I hope both of your businesses blossom as the English Language Visual Novel industry takes shape. Looking forward to more hard copies in the future!

Do let us know in ADVANCE whether or not games will be getting a physical release by Jlist. I am personally annoyed that announcements of a hard copy release for games is not announced until after the download copy has already been released.

For example if Ef Tale of the Two will be getting a physical release I would prefer to know before I bother to buy the download. I’d rather have a hard copy.

I’m hoping in the future we will at least be able to see a coinciding release date for download and hard copy games. Or at the very least get notice that there will be a hard copy available in the future prior to the games release.

I would greatly appreciate if this company could at least let us know before hand. I already own the only game above I would actually like in HC format and if you think I’m going to waste money to buy a duplicate.

In this same venture if a game will be getting fan discs made (which should honestly just be sold with the actual game as your prices for fan discs is ridiculous) then let us know in advance before hand so that we can buy the bundle instead. Hell I’d prefer the bundle anyway. At the very least though let us know that there will be a bundle or a fan disc…please.

I believe Guilty sold fairly well (not great but ‘well’). In English its generally considered an A grade title as the issues Japan had with it, we don’t have (In Japan it was overshadowed by better titles in the same genre).

I’m gonna have to find the post on the JASTUSA forums, but (i think it was Narg?) did a breakdown of it.

In Japan its main fault was that everything Zaishuu tried to do, another title did better. Making it a B-grade title in Japan. However in English we don’t have all these titles, putting Guilty in a league of its own. Meaning at the present time, in English its an A-grade title.

Are we going to see these titles selling at other retailers, such as Rightstuf? J-List is great and all, being one of the major retailers for these games, but this is a matter of exposure. A lot of people have a single store they browse, and they might not even know the games exist unless they show up in their store of choice.

Guys, I noticed that Higurashi Kai is a good $15 more expensive than the first game. Any reason why? I’m not saying it’s OP but it seem strange when the sequel is almost double the price. IIRC they contain the same number of episodes. Can anyone from mangagamer comment? Also, any plans on releasing Kara no Shoujo in this format? Peace.

As one who regularly imports, play asia is NOT the most favorite import site in any regard. Their prices and shipping are way higher than most others. Most courier services charge less for shipping than Play-asia does…

nope, it is free shipping to all across asia, and it is the most popular import site when it come to japanese centric game for asian market (especially eastern and south east asia), chepaer than yes asia, ami-ami etc

beside is there any other japanese centric game import site popular than them in asia (once again only japanese game related)

For starters, not all of us live in Asia, in fact, I would attest that the vast majority of people who frequent Manga Gamer aren’t from Asia. On that note, ami ami, himeya shop before they shut down their English shop are both far superior.

As far as general import goods go, hobby search and hobby link, are also better than Play Asia. There are also severe limitations, due in part to reverse importing, for Manga Gamer to put their games on a primarily Asia retail site.

Wow MG I’m HORRIBLY disappointed with the soundtrack you put in Da Capo 2. No Opening or ending themes? Only background Music? What gives seriously, that’s terrible, I feel cheated. I’ve been a loyal customer for while now I’ve bought a ton of your games. Hell I’ve bought both Da Capo limited editions when I already had your digital copies that I bought before so please answer me. Why the terrible disappointment? I expected better of you guys…